60 
EAST WING. 
Larger 
Mineral 
specimens. 
Boeks. 
Keteorites. 
find many specimens which, owing to their size, cannot be 
satisfactorily exhibited in the table-cases. 
Of these we may specially call attention to the groups of 
British and Indian minerals in the centre of the long wall-case, 
and to the specimens of Stibnite, Galena, and Jade on separate 
tables : also the large specimen of gypsum or selenite, presented 
by the late Prince Consort, which, with some fine illustrations of 
calcite, is exhibited in a special case. 
The four table-cases in the windows contain : — (1) and (2) 
a series illustrating the various kinds of rocks, (3) a series of 
worked articles, and (4) specimens arranged by Professor Kuskin 
to illustrate some varieties of Silica.* 
The most important feature of the Pavilion is the Collection 
of Meteorites,t of which the smaller specimens are shown in the 
four central cases. 
The fall of masses of stone and iron from the sky, though 
observed again and again since the most remote ages, was very 
rarely credited by anyone beside the spectators themselves ; and 
till the beginning of this century no attempt to collect such 
specimens for examination and comparison was made. In the 
special guide it is shown how evidence of the actual faU. of such 
bodies at length became irresistible, and a description is given 
of the striking circumstances attending their fall, of their general 
characters, and of their chemical composition : illustrative speci- 
mens, collected together for easy reference, will be found in one 
of the cases. It is also shown that meteorites are closely related, 
not only to the ordinary shooting stars, but also to comets, and 
probably to the nebulae and fixed stars. 
Botanical 
Gallery. 
Second Ploor. 
The upper floor of the East wing is devoted entirely to the 
Department of Botany. 
The Collections of this Department consist of two portions 
the one open to the public and consisting of specimens suit- 
able for exhibition, and intended to illustrate the various 
* A Descriptive Catalogue of the specimens of Native Silica has been 
prepared by Prof. Piuskin, and can be obtained of the attendant in the 
gallery. Price one shilling, 
t See *An Introduction to the Study of Meteorites, ■with a List of the 
Meteorites represented in the Collection.' Price threepence. 
